Lawmaker sounds alert on suspected MILF training camp near Iligan

From InterAksyon (Mar 24): Lawmaker sounds alert on suspected MILF training camp near Iligan

The head of the ad hoc committee at the House of Representatives deliberating on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to investigate reports that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was establishing a training camp in Iligan City.

In a letter to Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang, Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez said that, based on reports, the MILF could be "strategically positioning itself" by establishing a training camp at Sitio Limunsodan in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City.

According to Rodriguez, the report about the presence of the MILF camp was brought up by Col. Gilbert Gapay, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade based in Lanao del Norte during a local peace and order council meeting.

"In view of the conflicting reports regarding the presence of the MILF Camp, may I request the Armed Forces of the Philippines to investigate the matter, especially considering that the barangay is outside the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) area," he said.

The lawmaker added that the training camp, if true, may be a violation of the ceasefire agreement and may be an "illegal incursion" of the MILF into the city.

"This may intimidate the Christian and indigenous peoples in the area, and affect the peace of mind of people from Iligan City," he said.

Rodriguez also noted that the presence of a police station in the same area could spark another untoward incident.

He asked the AFP to submit a report to Congress on or before April 6.

The House will resume discussions on the BBL in April. Deliberation on the proposed law was temporarily halted following the January 25 Mamasapano clash that resulted in the death of 67 persons, including 44 police Special Action Force troopers.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/107579/lawmaker-sounds-alert-on-suspected-milf-training-camp-near-iligan